different between nimble vs masterful

English

Etymology

From Middle English nymyl, nemel, nemyll, nymell (“agile, quick, ready, able, capable”), merger of Old English n?mel (“receptive, quick to grasp”) and Old English numol (“able to take, capable of holding”), both from niman (“to take”) + -el, -ol (associative suffix), corresponding to nim +? -le. Compare German nehmen, Gothic ???????????????????? (niman), Old Norse nema (“to take”). More at nim.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?n?mbl?/
• Rhymes: -?mb?l

Adjective

nimble (comparative nimbler, superlative nimblest)

1. Adept at taking or grasping

   nimble fingers

2. Quick and light in movement or action.

3. Quick-witted and alert.

Antonyms

• (quick and light in movement or action): sluggish

Derived terms

• nimbly

Translations

Anagrams

• milneb

English

Alternative forms

• masterfull (archaic)

Etymology

From Middle English maysterful, maistrefull, equivalent to master +? -ful.

Adjective

masterful (comparative more masterful, superlative most masterful)

1. Of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly.

   The brushwork on the skin tones was masterful.

2. In the manner of a master; very skillful.

   The masterful conducting ensured the orchestra gave of their best.

3. Having or showing the qualities of a master vis-a-vis a dependent or subordinate; authoritative; domineering.
   • 1847, Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, Chapter 14, Rochester to Jane by the fire:

     ...do you not agree with me that I have a right to be a little masterful, abrupt; perhaps exacting, sometimes, on the grounds I stated...

   • 1868-69, Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, Chapter 38:

     When John spoke in that masterful tone, Meg always obeyed, and never regretted her docility.

   • 1908, E. M. Forster, A Room with a View, Chapter 18, Lucy to Mr. Beebe about Cecil:

     ...it was that he is so masterful. I found that he wouldn't let me go my own way.

Usage notes

Historically, definition 3 of masterful (authoritative, domineering) has long been losing ground to definitions 1 and 2 (masterly, skillful). In nineteenth century US usage of masterful, definition 3 was almost always meant (10:1). In contemporary US usage, however, the situation is reversed: definitions 1 or 2 are usually meant (10:1).

Derived terms

• masterfully
• masterfulness

Related terms

• masterly

Anagrams

• streamful